Langevin's Train-the-Trainer Blog

The Game of Office Politics – Do you know how to play?

Office Politics. The term itself brings up many emotions in people. Some view it as almost always negative and would prefer not to get involved. Others argue that playing the game is critical to your success in the workplace. It gets tricky, though, when we watch others get ahead, because of their relationships, instead of their work. What's a person to do?

Perhaps we should start with a definition because most people recognize when they see it in action but find it difficult to define. According to Wikipedia, "Office politics is simply how power gets worked out on a practical day-to-day basis." According to BNET Business Dictionary, "Office politics involves the complex network of power and status that exists within any group of people."

Now the question, do we have to get involved? Let's focus on the training department, for just a minute. Aren't we always trying to justify our existence, broaden our reach and make an impact? Don't we need to gain support for our initiatives and maximize the value of our department? Aren't we always fighting for resources so that we can accomplish our goals?

Let's face it. If we want to raise the profile of our department, we need to be politically savvy. At Langevin, we've even devoted a section to politics in our The Advanced Training Manager Workshop. In it, we explain how to navigate the politics of training in your organization. Specifically, we cover how to assess your organization's political landscape and how to defend against devious political tactics.

In her book, Dr. Frankel says that women don't play the game. We see work as an event where everyone comes together to play nicely. Not only is business a game, it's a game that changes. It has rules, boundaries, winners, and losers. Never forget that you're there to win the game of business.

She goes on to say that no one gets promoted purely because of work. Likability, strategic thinking, and networking are all part of success. If you're not wasting a little time building relationships, you're doing something wrong.

Other mistakes women are guilty of? We make our offices too girly (it diminishes our credibility), we skip too many meetings, we're too modest, we ask for permission instead of presenting a plan, we explain too much, and we cry. Beside the last one, she writes one word: DON'T! I guess just like there's no crying in baseball, there's no crying at work.

So, how do I play the game? I will continue to give my best work possible. I will also continue to fight for things that I believe in. I will always be diplomatic, respectful, and sincere. What about you? Do you know how to play?

I agree. You must know how to at least be a part of the landscape somehow, but I don't think that you can check your morals at the door either. Most people that are "working" the office politics, are like that outside of work too. Character is what defines us, and we display that regardless of where we are. I find it difficult sometimes to keep that balance when training is regarded as expendable. But being able to show what is has done to help benefit, and how without it, takes away from prosperity in a company, then it seems like there is no need to have to play the game. It just takes care of itself.

Once you realize that it is not work alone that gets you where you want to go it can actually be quite freeing for some people. I know several people who admittedly aren't 100% performance wise but use their charm and political savvy to smooth over the gap. Will it catch up with them eventually? Maybe. Is it unfair that they succeed on wit while others toil away in obscurity waiting to be discovered? No, I do not think so.

Whether you want advancement or security you need to play the game. You need to understand the rules in your workplace and come up with a strategy. I am not suggesting that you run out and buy Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" or Machiavelli's "The Prince.” I learned a lot of actionable material by taking Langevin's “How to Influence People and Events.” This and Marsha's advice of being open to the game has helped me considerably.

Like it or not politics is a part of life and let's be honest, it can be fun too.